Aneurysm

Introduction

An aneurysm is a bulge or balloon in the wall of an artery. Understanding what an aneurysm is means recognising this weakened area in a blood vessel that can potentially rupture. While aneurysms can occur in any artery in the body, they are most serious when they happen in the brain (a cerebral aneurysm) or the aorta (the body’s main artery).

A ruptured aneurysm can lead to severe bleeding and is a life-threatening medical emergency. The good news is that with early diagnosis and the right care, many aneurysms can be detected and treated before they rupture, preventing severe complications.

On this page, you will find:

If you suspect you have a severe, sudden headache, neurological changes or other symptoms of an aneurysm, know that help is here for you.

Signs & Symptoms

Spotting symptoms early can make a big difference, though many aneurysms (especially small ones) are asymptomatic until they rupture.

Common symptoms of an aneurysm (when unruptured but growing or pressing on nerves):

Brain aneurysm symptoms can include these subtle signs. However, the most critical signs are related to aneurysm rupture.

Ruptured brain aneurysm symptoms include:

Sudden, extremely severe headache: Often described as the "worst headache of your life," coming on instantly
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light
Seizure
Drooping eyelid or dilated pupil
Loss of consciousness
Confusion or altered mental status

Causes & Risk Factors

The specific causes are often multifactorial.

Key aneurysm causes:

High blood pressure (hypertension): A leading risk factor that puts constant stress on blood vessel walls, increasing the likelihood of an aneurysm formation
Atherosclerosis: The hardening and narrowing of arteries, which can weaken vessel walls over time
Smoking: Damages the lining of blood vessels and raises blood pressure, both of which contribute to aneurysm risk
Family history: A genetic predisposition may make aneurysms more likely, especially in first-degree relatives
Age: The risk of developing an aneurysm increases as you get older
Congenital defects: Some individuals are born with weak spots in their blood vessels that may later develop into aneurysms
Illicit drug use: Stimulants like cocaine can spike blood pressure and inflame blood vessels, raising the risk.
Head trauma: Though rare, a severe injury to the head can result in aneurysm formation
Infections: Certain infections can lead to mycotic aneurysms, which occur when blood vessel walls become infected

Knowing what causes aneurysms in the head helps you and your specialist find the right prevention and treatment plan.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis will confirm if you have an aneurysm and determine the next steps for treatment.

Detailed medical history and symptom review: Your doctor will ask about any warning signs of a brain aneurysm, such as sudden or severe headaches, vision changes or neurological symptoms. They will also assess personal and family risk factors, including high blood pressure, smoking and family history.
Imaging tests to detect and assess aneurysms:
- CT scan (Computed Tomography): Often the first imaging test used in emergencies. It can quickly detect bleeding in the brain caused by a ruptured aneurysm and may reveal the aneurysm itself.
- CT Angiography (CTA): A special type of CT using contrast dye to create detailed images of the brain’s blood vessels and pinpoint the location and size of the aneurysm.
- MRI and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Provide high-resolution images of brain tissue and blood vessels without radiation exposure. These are useful for detecting unruptured aneurysms and monitoring their progression.
- Cerebral Angiography (Digital Subtraction Angiography – DSA): Considered the gold standard for diagnosing cerebral aneurysms. A catheter is threaded through a blood vessel, contrast dye is injected, and detailed X-ray images are taken to visualise the blood flow and aneurysm in real time.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis via lumbar puncture (spinal tap): If a subarachnoid haemorrhage is suspected but not visible on a CT scan, a spinal tap can detect blood in the cerebrospinal fluid, confirming bleeding around the brain.

Types of Aneurysm

Aneurysms are classified based on their shape, cause and location.

Understanding the different types of aneurysms can help guide diagnosis, treatment and risk assessment.

Shape

Saccular aneurysm (Berry aneurysm): The most common type of brain (cerebral) aneurysm. It appears as a rounded pouch or sac, typically attached to a blood vessel by a narrow neck, much like a berry on a stem. These often form at arterial bifurcations (branching points), particularly in the circle of Willis in the brain.
Fusiform aneurysm: A spindle-shaped bulge that involves the entire circumference of the artery wall. It tends to develop in larger arteries, such as the basilar artery or aorta, and is usually associated with atherosclerosis or high blood pressure.
Dissecting aneurysm: Occurs when a tear forms in the inner lining of the artery wall, allowing blood to enter and separate the layers. This weakens the vessel and may lead to rupture. Dissections can happen suddenly and are more common in the aorta or carotid arteries.

Cause

Mycotic aneurysm: Caused by an infection (often bacterial or fungal) that damages and weakens the artery wall, making it prone to dilation. These aneurysms are more likely to occur in people with compromised immune systems or those with a history of heart infections.
Traumatic aneurysm: Develops after a head injury or direct trauma to a blood vessel. It may result from blunt force or penetrating injury, and is less common than spontaneous aneurysms.

Location

Cerebral (intracranial) aneurysm: Located in the arteries of the brain, these aneurysms carry the risk of rupture, leading to subarachnoid haemorrhage — a serious, life-threatening condition.
Aortic aneurysm: Aneurysms in the aorta — the body’s main artery — may occur in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). These are often found during routine imaging or screening.
Peripheral aneurysm: Occurs in arteries outside the brain and the aorta, such as the popliteal (behind the knee), femoral or carotid arteries. They may not cause symptoms, but can lead to blood clots or reduced circulation.

Identifying the type and location of an aneurysm is essential. It helps your healthcare provider assess the risk of rupture, choose the best imaging or monitoring strategy and recommend a treatment plan that may include observation, surgery or endovascular repair.

Treatments

Treatment focuses on preventing aneurysm rupture for unruptured aneurysms or stopping bleeding and preventing re-bleeding for ruptured ones.

Key treatment elements:

Observation (for small, unruptured aneurysms): Regular monitoring with imaging scans, especially if the aneurysm is small and poses low risk
Surgical clipping (for cerebral aneurysms): A neurosurgeon opens the skull and places a tiny metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to cut off blood flow
Endovascular coiling (for cerebral aneurysms): A less invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted through an artery (usually in the groin) and guided to the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils are then deployed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow and promote clotting
Flow diversion: A stent is placed in the parent artery to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm, allowing it to thrombose and shrink over time
Medications: To manage blood pressure and other risk factors
Rehabilitation: For patients who have experienced an aneurysmal stroke or other neurological deficits after a rupture

When managed properly, people with aneurysms can have improved outcomes and prevent life-threatening events.

Ready to learn what might help you? Learn more about aneurysm treatments on this treatment page.

Complications

Without treatment, an aneurysm can lead to:

Aneurysm rupture: A medical emergency that causes sudden, severe bleeding into the brain, often with life-threatening consequences
Subarachnoid haemorrhage: A serious complication of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm where blood leaks into the space around the brain, leading to high mortality and a risk of permanent neurological damage
Stroke: A ruptured aneurysm may cause bleeding or trigger clot formation, blocking blood flow to part of the brain and resulting in an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke
Brain damage and long-term neurological deficits: These may include paralysis, difficulty speaking, memory loss or cognitive impairments, depending on the area of the brain affected
Hydrocephalus: Bleeding can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing fluid buildup in the brain and increased intracranial pressure
Vasospasm: After a rupture, blood vessels in the brain may narrow, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of further brain injury or stroke

Understanding your condition and sticking to treatment can help prevent severe complications and manage the risks of aneurysm rupture.

Prevention

While you cannot prevent congenital weaknesses, you can lower the risk of aneurysm formation and aneurysm rupture by:

Control high blood pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medication to reduce strain on blood vessel walls
Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors — stopping can greatly lower your aneurysm risk
Manage cholesterol and diabetes: These conditions can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added stress on your heart and blood vessels
Exercise regularly: Physical activity supports healthy circulation and helps regulate blood pressure, weight and blood sugar levels
Avoid illicit drugs: Stimulants like cocaine can raise blood pressure and directly damage blood vessels, raising the risk of rupture
Address family history: If you have a close relative with a brain aneurysm, your doctor may recommend screening with imaging tests
Learn the warning signs: Recognising early symptoms — such as sudden headaches, vision changes, or neck stiffness — can prompt earlier diagnosis and reduce the risk of complications

Living with an Aneurysm

Living well means managing your condition day to day:

Adhere strictly to your doctor's recommendations for managing blood pressure and other risk factors
Attend all follow-up appointments and imaging scans as advised
Avoid heavy lifting or straining, which can increase pressure
Report any new or worsening aneurysm signs or symptoms immediately
Seek support for stress management

Navigating Aneurysm in Singapore

The Problem and Types of Conditions

An aneurysm is a condition where a blood vessel wall weakens and bulges, often occurring in the brain, aorta or peripheral arteries. Depending on its size and location, an aneurysm may remain silent or present serious risks such as rupture and internal bleeding.

The main types include cerebral aneurysms, aortic aneurysms, and peripheral aneurysms. Early detection is key, as treatment strategies vary between monitoring, medication and surgical repair.

Consultation to Ongoing Care

Patients concerned about an aneurysm in Singapore typically start with imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds after referral from a primary doctor. A vascular surgeon or neurosurgeon will then assess the aneurysm’s size, location and risk factors.

Treatment may involve medications to control blood pressure, minimally invasive procedures like endovascular coiling or stent grafts, or open surgery. Recovery includes regular follow-up imaging, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing management of cardiovascular health.

When to Seek Help

Individuals should seek medical attention if they experience sudden, severe headaches, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness or neurological changes — potential signs of a ruptured aneurysm. Anyone with a family history of aneurysm or related conditions is also advised to undergo screening. Timely consultation with specialists ensures that aneurysms in Singapore are identified early and managed before life-threatening complications occur.

Find an Aneurysm Specialist in Singapore

You do not have to manage an aneurysm alone. A specialist can help assess your risk, determine the optimal treatment plan and provide ongoing monitoring and care.

If you or someone you love has a severe, sudden headache, neurological changes or other symptoms of an aneurysm, book a consultation to get clear answers.

Take the first step toward stable health and peace of mind.

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